The Coalition Against Hunger closed its doors permanently on June 28th, 2024

For 28 years the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger has strived to ensure those in our local communities have the food they need to live healthy lives. Our work to connect households with SNAP benefits, strengthen local food networks, and address the root causes of food insecurity comes at a significant cost, and over the past year our organization has struggled to secure the funding necessary for this crucial work.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of the Coalition Against Hunger on Friday, June 28th.

As we process this sudden news, we grieve especially for our clients, our partners, and our own team members. Below are resources about SNAP benefits, local food sites, and summer meals for kids. A generous community member has started a fundraiser to support our team members through this unexpected transition period, and all donations to this fundraiser will be distributed directly to the dedicated team members of the Coalition Against Hunger.

Resources

  • • Phila.gov/food

    • Findhelp.org

    • Call 311 or 800-5HUNGRY

  • PACE Center at PASSi

    The SNAP Hotline services provided by our partners at the PACE Center at PASSi are available to everyone and include services in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese (Mandarin).

    Call (215) 572-1234 ext. 145

  • • Phila.gov/food provides a map of summer meals sites throughout Philadelphia.

    • fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder provides a map of summer meals sites all throughout the country

    • Text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 for assistance finding summer meal sites

  • SUN Bucks is a federal child nutrition program aimed at keeping kids fed during the summer months when they are not in school. Eligible children will receive an EBT card that can be used to purchase groceries. Learn more here: http://clsphila.org/gpcah-clients

  • Our partner Community Legal Services is working to continue sharing some of our resources. Learn more about:

    • SNAP Skimming

    • SNAP for Non-Citizens

    • SNAP for College Students

    • SNAP for Americorps Members

    • The SNAP Time Limit Doesn’t Work. Here’s Why

    Find all these resources on their website: http://clsphila.org/gpcah-clients

The Evolution of the Coalition

  • Our support network functioned as an informal working group until 1996 when our organization was formally established through a planning process led by Bread for the World.

  • Since our founding, we’ve held an annual Race Against Hunger 5K to elevate the visibility of food insecurity, to raise funds to support our work, and to provide a platform for our local pantry and soup kitchen partners to do the same.

  • This grant transformed the way we were able to help local individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, as SNAP benefits (food stamps) are the most effective short-term solution to increasing food security.

  • Awarded by the Congressional Hunger Center, this award recognized the Coalition Against Hunger for our significant contributions in the fight to end hunger and build food security.

  • In 2005, our team began completing SNAP applications for individuals and families over the phone. Today, our SNAP Hotline continues to assist callers with their SNAP benefits and finding other community food resources.

  • This designation opened up many more possibilities for the Coalition Against Hunger to fund our emerging comprehensive approach to building food security by connecting people to immediate food resources, facilitating short-term support, and fighting for lasting change.

  • Our Victory In Partnership Network was formalized in 2009. It evolved from “1st Tuesdays,” a monthly meeting in West Philly for pantry leaders around the city.

  • In 2013, the Coalition Against Hunger launched two Green Light Pantries, a new kind of food pantry focused on promoting healthy eating while helping families put food on the table.

    Unlike most other food pantries, these Green Light Pantries provide only highly nutritious food to their clients. Pantry members also take part in monthly nutrition workshops and receive other services.

    There are currently two Green Light Pantries in Philadelphia:

    - Drueding Center

    - Casa del Carmen

  • Top Philly restaurants compete with their best sweet and savory brunch items to be named Best of Brunch, all in support of the Coalition Against Hunger’s vital work building food security throughout Philadelphia.